Synthetic Corundum: Synthetic Sapphire
Facts
SPECIES/GROUP : Synthetic corundum
CLASSIFICATION : Synthetic stone
Name
The name is derived from the Greek word ‘sappheiros,’ which is considered to have referred to another blue stone, lapis lazuli.
Origin
Synthetic sapphire has the same properties and chemical structure as naturally occurring sapphire, and strong magnification is usually required to distinguish between the two. In 1902, the French chemist Auguste Verneuil developed a process for producing synthetic sapphire crystals. Many methods of creating synthetic sapphire today are variations of the Czochralski process, which was invented in 1916 by Polish chemist Jan Czochralski.
APPEARANCE
Corundum is found in virtually all colours. The blue variety is called synthetic sapphire, the red variety is called ruby, and the rest are fancy sapphires named sapphire with a colour prefix. Pandora jewellery uses a blue and a rose pink variety of synthetic sapphire.
PROCESSING
Cutting and polishing only.
Care
Avoid rough handling. When not in use, store separately to avoid scratches. Clean with warm, soapy water and gentle brushing. Ultrasonic cleaners should be used with caution.
Durability
With a hardness of 9, synthetic sapphire is harder than any other stone except diamond and, combined with excellent toughness, makes it very durable and ideal for all types and styles of jewellery
MYTHOLOGY & ASSOCIATION
Synthetic sapphires are almost indistinguishable from natural sapphires which have long been a favourite of priests, kings and queens, who considered it a symbol of wisdom and purity. In ancient Greece and Rome, blue sapphire was said to protect wearers from envy and harm. The ancient Persians believed that the Earth rested on a giant sapphire and its reflection made the sky blue. Sapphires are also associated with the values of faith, truth, sincerity, wisdom and commitment. A sapphire gift is said to be a pledge of trust, honesty, purity and loyalty.
